Gastarbeiter

"Gastarbeiter" is a German term meaning "guest worker," referring to foreign workers invited to Germany primarily during the 1950s to 1970s to fill labor shortages in industries like manufacturing and mining. These workers, often from countries like Turkey, Italy, and former Yugoslavia, came temporarily with the expectation of returning home, but many stayed, contributing significantly to Germany’s economy and society. The term reflects their status as temporary, contractual employees, highlighting a migration pattern driven by economic needs and labor agreements rather than permanent settlement.